THANKS TO MICHIGAN, THERE’S STILL TIME TO JOIN IN!
The March 1st close date for our Team was “snow-dayed”, along with our Potluck Party, to March 15th. And THAT, dear Hometownies, means you have 2 more days to become part of our Team cycling adventures, our advocacy, our friendships, and our FUN! See the character at front in the above photo? That’s our Ride Coordinator, Laura, and she’d be happy to hook you up! ride@myhometownbicycles.com

This pastSunday, marked our 2nd Annual Team Kit Pick-Up Party, and we had a blast!! Our Team has grown by leaps and bounds for the 2018 cycling year (92 and counting!), and a full two-thirds were able to join us for an evening of mostaccioli (made with love by your very own Ride Coordinator), heartwarming stories, laughter, camaraderie, and Team pride.

Team Hometown Bicycles is an amazing group of people, supported by an amazing group of Sponsors, doing amazing things in 2018. So stay on the lookout for Team jerseys at rides, races, and community events, and stay tuned to our newsletters and Facebook… you never know what we’ll get up to next!

Also at this event, you’ll have a chance to meet the one and only Matt Fitzhorn, whom you’ve been hearing so much about – the new head honcho for your famous Hometown Service Department. Put that mouse in action, and get clicking!:

Special thanks to Hometownie Dr. Brandy Snedden-Hane for alerting us to this segment!

WE’RE HIRING – STOP IN AND APPLY!
Creating the magic of Hometown is no small thing, and we don’t hire lightly, but we do offer positions that are meaningful and make a real difference in the lives of customers, our community, and the cycling industry. We currently have openings for:

Part-Time Events CoordinatorCoordinates and manages on- and off-premises shop events of all types. Must be highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, sociable, and enthusiastic.

Part-Time Personal AssistantCombines administrative duties with personal and child care. Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, dependable, and excellent with children.

Full- and Part-Time Service TechsProvides reliably outstanding technical bike service. Some technical knowledge preferred. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, focused, and a quick learner.

Drop by our shop, introduce yourself, and pick up an application. You’ll never know unless you try!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Gravel Grinding 101: *** NOW ON WEDNESDAYS! ***WEDNESDAY, MAR 14 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
In this learn-along shop ride, we’ll cover 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads at a 12-13 mph average. Our route runs through the back of Island Lake, where we’ll grab a little trail, hop a guardrail, then enjoy some gravel (a few hills just for fun!). Gravel, adventure or mountain/fat bikes (no skinny road tires). All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

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Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/AdvancedSATURDAY, MAR 17 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN
We’re headed back to Island Lake for a loop through the trails. Anticipate 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!

WE’RE HIRING – STOP IN AND APPLY!
Creating the magic of Hometown is no small thing, and we don’t hire lightly, but we do offer positions that are meaningful and make a real difference in the lives of customers, our community, and the cycling industry. We currently have openings for:

Part-Time Events CoordinatorCoordinates and manages on- and off-premises shop events of all types. Must be highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, sociable, and enthusiastic.

Part-Time Personal AssistantCombines administrative duties with personal and child care. Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, dependable, and excellent with children.

Full- and Part-Time Service TechsProvides reliably outstanding technical bike service. Some technical knowledge preferred. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, focused, and a quick learner.

Drop by our shop, introduce yourself, and pick up an application. You’ll never know unless you try!

BRIGHTON DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE

For the second year running, Hometown Bicycles had the very great pleasure of sponsoring SELCRA’s beloved Brighton Daddy-Daughter Dance… and you KNOW Shaun and I wouldn’t miss a chance to take the kids to an event that’s about family, community, and dancing!

We ran into Hometownies, like the dapper duo of Scooter and his lovely daughter, and made tons of new friends. Our table was parked alongside a favorite sponsor neighbor, Brennan Investment Services, and we enjoyed hanging out with our sure-know-how-to-throw-a-party SELCRA friends!

Congratulations to Julianna Gilbert, Selah Targosz, and dad Eric Santry who all won Hometown’s Daddy-Daughter Drawings for cool cycling prizes!

OUR POTLUCK PARTY HAS MOVED TO MARCH 15TH!Winter storms put the kibosh on last week’s event, but that’s just given Hometownies more time to sign up – we’re up to over 50 attending, and that means an EPIC potluck selection of sloppy joes, chili, venison stroganoff, cheesy potatoes, veggie enchiladas, fruit salad, sweets, beer… if you’ve been on the fence, the food alone should sway you – come!!

At this party, you’ll learn about the best MI cycling parks and routes, and pick up your copy of the highly anticipated 2018 LMB Michigan Ride Calendar. You’ll also hear from guest speaker Jim Plaunt of Bike Tour Vacations, who’s worked up a special promotion just for Hometownies!

Also at this event, you’ll have a chance to meet the one and only Matt Fitzhorn, whom you’ve been hearing so much about – the new head honcho for your famous Hometown Service Department. Put that mouse in action, and get clicking!:

THANKS FOR AN AWESOME GARAGE SALE!

Last Sunday’s shop Garage Sale brought in carload after carload of curious bargain hunters. Deals were struck, hands were shaken, smiles ran rampant… it was a lively and fun event, where everything from desks to derailleurs were up for grabs!

We want to thank all of you for helping us move previous-year inventory and back room clutter. You’ve played an important role in making room for 2018 product AND beginning work on a back room project that you’re going to LOVE! This has officially become an annual Hometown event!

Enjoy your treasures, Hometownies!

(Photo courtesy Roger Pelkey)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/AdvancedSUNDAY, MAR 11 | 2:30PM (MEET BY 2:15PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’re headed back to Island Lake for a loop through the trails. Anticipate 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

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Gravel Grinding 101: *** NOW ON WEDNESDAYS! ***WEDNESDAY, MAR 14 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
In this learn-along shop ride, we’ll cover 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads at a 12-13 mph average. Our route runs through the back of Island Lake, where we’ll grab a little trail, hop a guardrail, then enjoy some gravel (a few hills just for fun!). Gravel, adventure or mountain/fat bikes (no skinny road tires). All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!

HOMETOWNIES, YOU & YOUR APPETITE ARE INVITED!!Every year, our annual “Welcome to Spring Cycling Season!”, Winter Clinic wrap-up party gets bigger… and tastier! This one’s shaping up to be the best and most delicious yet! Sloppy joes, chili, cheesy potatoes, veggie enchiladas, fruit salad, sweets, beer… if you’ve been on the fence, the food alone should sway you – come!!

At this Thursday, March 1st party, you’ll learn about the best MI cycling parks and routes, and pick up your copy of the highly anticipated 2018 LMB Michigan Ride Calendar. You’ll also hear from guest speaker Jim Plaunt of Bike Tour Vacations, who’s worked up a special promotion just for Hometownies!

Exciting, right? But wait, there’s more! At this event, you’ll have a chance to finally meet the one and only Matt Fitzhorn, whom you’ve been hearing so much about – the new head honcho for your famous Hometown Service Department. You’re right. You absolutely won’t want to miss this:

IT’S GAME ON, BARGAIN HUNTERS!

Welcome to spring cleaning – Hometown style!!THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 4TH from 11am-4pm, we’re clearing out our back room in preparation for awesomeness to come. And while we’re at it, we’ll be moving old inventory to make way for new. That means everything from used bicycles, to shop tools, to product, to furniture, to random bike parts will be up for grabs at garage sale prices!

SPREAD THE WORD – there’s treasure in this here building, and you and your friends are invited to “pan for gold!”

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/AdvancedSATURDAY, MAR 3 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’re headed back to Island Lake for a loop through the trails. Anticipate 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!

(Friendships were forged and fun was TOTALLY had at Hometown’s Ladies Night Out: Spring Edition!)

WHAT HAPPENS AT HOMETOWN, STAYS AT… OH, WAIT!
No it doesn’t! It gets shared with you right now! Ladies Night Out: Spring Edition was just too wonderful to keep to ourselves, anyway…

In our second celebration of Hometownie women, we launched the evening with a stellar, stress-melting yoga session, courtesy of Terry of Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. Next came a few words from the girl-power advocate who runs this show (me).

Wine was a-flowing from an ambrosial selection of reds and whites, and partnered beautifully with our tableful of gal-geared goodies!

Many of our women picked up quick and simple flat tire fix tips and shifting techniques in a set of mini clinics that ran mid-event. Complimentary chair massages took place just a few steps away, generously offered by wonder-women, Jenn and Sue, of Kor Chiro Studio.

In what’s quickly become one of the largest selections of women’s cyclewear in the area, our women found an abundance of eye-popping deals and colorful fashions to suit every style. And one of the favorite additions to the evening was the playful jewelry and artwork offered and donated as door prizes by kind-to-the-core vendors/artists Peggy Kerwan, Lauren of LPbyLP, Cathy and Rita of Echo Lake Steel, and Melissa of Cool Hedge Creations.

We welcomed 5 new ladies to our Hometown Team, made friends and cycling buddies, and 200% loved life with some of the most wonderful women we know. What a magical evening! Ladies, you have my personal thanks for supporting my mission to make Hometown one of the female-friendliest bike shops in the region and, of course, for being so awesome!! (Stay tuned for our next big women’s event, coming up in May!)

INVENTORY, TOOLS, FIXTURES & MORE

Moving Vincere operations to Hometown means a BIG BIKE SHOP BLOW-OUT SALE the likes of which you’ve never seen – product, fixtures, tools… anything that’s not nailed down at blow-out pricing. Start moving the seats out of your cars – sale runs THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 FROM NOON-4PM, and you’ll be needing the space! First come, first serve!!!Meet man-of-the-hour, Matt Fitzhorn (and his little dog, too!) parked in front of Vincere Cycles of Milford.

MARCH 1ST: CLINIC POTLUCK PARTY

Hometownies, we’re wrapping up this – our 8th year of winter bike clinics – with the most epic Potluck Party to date… because, this year, there’s something extra to celebrate!

In this clinic, you’ll learn about the best parks, routes, and groups for your Michigan cycling adventures. We’ll also be welcoming back guest speaker Jim Plaunt of Bike Tour Vacations, who’s worked up a special promotion just for Hometownies!

You’ll get our 2018 Spring Shop Ride agenda (spoiler alert – it’s awesome!), and meet the cool people you’ll get to ride them with! PLUS, this March 1st party is your LAST CHANCEto sign up for our all-inclusive, all-about-making-it-fun Team Hometown Bicycles!! (We’re at 85 riders – can you help our Team get to 100??)

Exciting, right? But wait, there’s more! At this event, you’ll have a chance to finally meet the one and only Matt Fitzhorn, whom you’ve been hearing so much about – the new head honcho for your famous Hometown Service Department. You’re right. You absolutely won’t want to miss this:

It’s the final class in our Hometown, women-only, winter class series to keep you going strong over the winter! Women’s rides are next on the agenda, beginning in April – be sure to watch our Facebook page and newsletter for the official announcement! Click the registration link for details and to sign up for the final class:2/27 WOMEN’S PILOXING BARREwith Hamburg Fitness Center & CampREGISTER for PILOXING | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/AdvancedSATURDAY, FEB 24 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’re headed back to Island Lake for a loop through the trails. Anticipate 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha SorarufClick to learn moreZUMBA | Mondays at 6:00PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie BarrettClick to learn more

Half of all cover charges was collected as a donation for the Brighton High School Mountain Bike Team, to which so many of our staff have and do belong. But the good will didn’t stop there – even more of you stopped in early to donate, and also gave extra at the event. Makes us proud to be Hometownies!

In answer to the big question of the night, YES! We WILL do this again. ‘Til then, if you’d like these smooth pipes and brilliant, bluesy instrumentals at your own event, contact Brian for booking info: (330) 806-1710. Thanks, PBR Band – you rock (and roll!)

Remember how I told you I’ve been tracking down great deals on amazing women’s apparel… well above are just a few, delicious samples of what you’ll find on super-discount at next Tuesday’sLadies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles: Spring Edition on February 20th from 6-9pm. We’re closing the shop early for women-only…

• 30-MINUTE BEGINNER YOGA SESSION with Hamburg Fitness Center • WINE & REFRESHMENTS • COMPLIMENTARY CHAIR MASSAGES with Kor Chiro Studio • QUICKIE BIKE CLINICS • JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW with Echo Lake Steel and Cool Hedge Creations • ART EXHIBITION with Peggy Kerwan and Lauren Patrell • GOODIE BAGS • INCREDIBLE DOOR PRIZES • THRILL-OF-THE-HUNT BARGAIN BUYS • LARGEST DISPLAY OF MI-MADE JOSHUA TREE PRODUCTS IN THE AREA!That last bullet point is the newest addition to an event already brimming over with gal-geared greatness. There’s SO much to be excited about… get your registration on, so that we can make this the best Ladies Night Out ever!

Literally THE best self defense class I’ve ever taken, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way…Just this Tuesday, as part of Hometown’s weekly women’s class series, Ian Kinder of Live Safe Academy shared powerful defense insights and techniques developed from law enforcement training, real world situations, and personal experience. He combined lecture and partner practice to ensure that every woman and girl in the room left with instantly useable and truly empowering knowledge.

Our sincerest thanks to Ian for a phenomenal class, supporting his mission to save lives. Stay tuned for future Live Safe Academy classes to be run at Hometown!

(Top: Team Hometown DJ Joe Ostervik was one of the top fundraising Jersey Riders – way to go, Joe!; Bottom right: The Tour raised $43,000 for Livingston County United Way!; Bottom left: Hometown in the spotlight. Bottom photos courtesy Paula Zimmer – thanks, Paula!)TOUR DE LIVINGSTON THANK YOU LUNCHEON

Hometown headed to Howell Opera House for a Tour de Livingston thank you luncheon, where we celebrated helping the Tour raise $43,000 for Livingston County United Way – the highest amount in Tour history!!We were proud to be acknowledged for a superstar Team Hometown rider, DJ Joe Ostervik, who topped the charts with his fundraising efforts, and for our very well-received 10-bike donation. Now it’s time to mark your calendar for this year’s Tour on October 7th!

Details, please!

THE HOMETOWN-VINCERE ALLIANCE

In our last newsletter, we unleashed awesome on you in the form an alliance between Hometown Bicycles and Vincere Cycles of Milford.We warmly appreciate the positive tsunami of excitement and interest, and deeply enjoyed the wildly diverse theories about what that alliance will entail. You’re a creative bunch, Hometownies!

If you missed the announcement, please CLICK HERE to catch yourself up. Now, here’s the rest of the story…

As a direct result of our shared values, shared goals, and shared mindset, we’re thrilled to announce that we are bringing Vincere’s operations here to Hometown beginning March 1st, and placing Matt at the helm of our renowned Service Department. Matt will bring all the professionalism, expertise, and bicycle “wizardry” that he brought to his own shop, which includes a 25-year mechanical mastery of bicycles, cars, airplanes, and even helicopters. (At right: Matt and wife, Joy, enjoying an early cycling adventure)

This alliance means many things – growthof Hometown’s service department, greater service capacity (more bikes, quicker turnaround!), and quality control to rival NASA’s, just to name a few. Hometown has the scope and reach, and Vincere brings the mastery, to support this ambitious evolution.

What this means for you…

You’ll continue to enjoy the same outstanding service quality that you’ve come to expect from Hometown and Vincere, just taken up a notch! Think faster. Think more innovative. Think problem solving like you’ve never seen it before. And it all continues with the warm, helpful, anti-snob, you’re-family, customer experience that makes us YOUR bike shop.

Exciting things afoot…

Moving Vincere operations to Hometown means a BIG BIKE SHOP BLOW-OUT SALE the likes of which you’ve never seen – product, fixtures, tools… anything that’s not nailed down at blow-out pricing. Bike peeps, when you’ve stopped cartwheeling and high-fiving the universe, please put a MASSIVE red star on your calendar for SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH (yep, less than 2 weeks away!) And be sure to stay very closely tuned to our newsletters and Facebook. Details will follow shortly!

I grew up in Colorado riding my BMX around the neighborhood and on the local dirt track and never looked back; mountain biking since 1991, touring and road riding since 1997. My favorite kind of riding is whatever I’m doing at the moment. I’ll ride anything as long as it has pedals. I’ll also work on anything with pedals. As a kid, I helped my dad in the garage restoring cars until I could get an auto mechanic job as a teenager. At 18, I became an aircraft mechanic apprentice and eventually a full aircraft mechanic. After moving to Michigan in 2009 to be closer to my now wife whom I met onbikeforums.net, I was able to get a job working on bicycles, which is a much more enjoyable profession. Throughout all my various careers, bicycles and working on them have remained a constant. I bring the precision and mechanical ability of aircraft maintenance to bicycles and I believe it shows. (Above left: Matt & Joy visiting Vecchio’s Bicicletteria in Boulder, CO)

Get Team pricing on all Hammer nutrition orders at tonight’s clinic!!
We’ve run our Winter Clinic Series since opening in 2010… not to toot our own horn, but *toot* we’re really good at it! All clinics are FREE – click the links below for details and to register:Cycling Nutrition ClinicTues, Feb 13th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 15th, 7-8pm

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/AdvancedSATURDAY, FEB 17 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’re headed back to Island Lake for a loop through the trails. Anticipate 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha SorarufClick to learn more

ZUMBA | Mondays at 6:00PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie BarrettClick to learn more

I TOLD YOU S… OK, OK, I WON’T SAY IT…
Remember that email I sent you a couple weeks back, telling you that the best time to get your bikes tuned up is NOW, so you won’t miss a minute of cycling weather? Today has just put a very definitive exclamation point at the end of that statement!

Those of you early birds who already took up the call – happy cycling! And there’s been another surge of tune-up bikes over the last few days. But if you haven’t acted yet, know this…

We’ll be seeing a lot more of these spring-heralding days over the coming month. If indoor cycling is your thing, may the force power your climate-controlled pedal strokes. But if the thought of getting back outdoors makes your heart SOAR, pack up those bikes and bring them in! We’ll have you ready to ride the next wave of beautiful weather.

MEET YOUR TEAM SOCIAL SPONSOR!

I am exceptionally pleased to RE-introduce Sean Lowry of Lowry Solutions. You may already recognize this name as one of the quality companies that’s sponsored Team Hometown Bicycles over the past two years.

Sean approached us with a desire to take his Sponsorship to a new level of awesome and, from that conversation, Team Social Sponsor was born! Our 2018 Team members will enjoy quarterly events geared toward Team bonding, accomplishment celebration, and having FUN, thanks to this avid cyclist and his community-minded company.

When you spot Sean at rides and events, be sure to shake his hand! Thanks, Lowry Solutions, for helping strengthen and grow our Team!! (And congrats, Sean, on your baby daughter!)

Speaking of Team Sponsors we can all be proud of, we’d like to give a 21-gear salute to Mike Kearns of Kearns Brothers, Inc, who spread Team goodwill and bike joy all the way down in Florida, building donation bikes at a recent Contractor Summit. As described in their event roster:

“… we are giving back to the Miami community with a Build-a-Bike charity component [and] are asking all in attendance to volunteer a portion of their time, and help us give back to those recently ravaged by Hurricane Irma… help us assemble [the bikes] and have fun doing it!”

ROLL & ROCK EVENT COMING 2/10A ‘funk’y fundraiser for the Brighton High School Mountain Bike Team

Recognize the fella standing in the middle? Of course you do!! Because he’s Hometown’s very own CycloDan Tribble – long-time service guru, leader of our Tuesday shop rides, all-things-bike geek and, in his alter life, member of a band! (We always knew he was cool!)

On Saturday, February 10th, we’re clearing our floor of bikes for a LIVE CONCERT AT HOMETOWN, starring Progressive Blues & Rhythm Band. On the agenda – crazy awesome music, dancing, BYOB, snacks, socializing… and knowing that half of your $10 cover charge goes directly toward gearing up the BHS Team for their 2018 cycling season!

Enjoy the show from 7pm-9pm, then hang with the band at the after-party. It’s laid back, funky fun that will wow your ears and tickle your tastebuds, all while supporting youth cycling. Please let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for enough refreshments!

BAND BIO: The Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band is Brian “BK Big Fish” King, drums, Doug “Bird Dog” Percha, guitar, Theo “Dr. Thee” Smith, bass and Dan Tribble aka “Shoocat Hopkins” on vocals and harmonica. All have been active members of the S.E. Michigan music scene mostly dating back to the mid 70’s. The PBR Band intends to bring you a brew of blues, rock & funky R&B for your listening and dancing enjoyment! Contact Brian at 330-806-1710 for booking info.

You asked – we listened!! Welcome to ’Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles – Spring Edition’ on Tuesday, February 20th from 6-9pm!! We’ll close the shop again for the last 3 hours of the day, so that we can make this evening all about you! Shake off the winter blah’s, and let’s think Spring, ladies!!!Back by popular demand, your evening will start by easing away the stresses of your day with a 30-minute, beginner yoga session, courtesy of Terri from Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. Stretched and centered, you’ll warm your spirits with wine and refreshments, provided by Hometown.

Next on the agenda, the mini-clinics so many of you asked for! We’ll be running 15 minute quickies on Flat Tire Fixes and Shifting Demystified. Pick one, try both, or go back for seconds – we’ll run repeats over the course of an hour. In the meantime, browse a specially ordered selection of women-specific cycling necessities – discounted at Ladies-Night-only pricing! More details to come – stay tuned!

MEN, don’t skip this section on account of it’s title! I KNOW there are women in your life who are important to you. Ladies, same goes for you, and I sincerely hope that one of those women is YOU!We’ve invited Ian Kinder, owner and personal safety instructor of Live Safe Academy, to teach a Women’s Self Defense class right here at Hometown on Tuesday, February 13th. In this 2-hour session, you’ll learn “simple, life saving skills from programs designed to increase your safety after only one class! Our hands on courses teach time-tested, realistic methods that are easy to learn and remember… No previous training required.”

2/13 WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSEwith Live Safe AcademyREGISTER for Self Defense | 7PM – 9PM at Hometown Bicycles | $40 at registrationA Note from Dawn: I’ve seen this instructor in action, and he is awesome. This class NEEDS to
be shared with the women in your life who are important to you… that’s why I’m sharing it with you.
Ages 12 and up – mothers, daughters, wives, friends, and coworkers – ALL women welcome!

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/AdvancedSATURDAY, JANUARY 27 | 10AM (MEET AT 9:30AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’ll pedal our fat bikes through the “badlands” of Island Lake Recreation Area. This week, we split into A and B groups. Group A, the ADVANCED Riders, will be riding at a much faster pace and put in more miles. Group B, the INTERMEDIATE Riders, will ride as their skill determines. All riders will be powering through hills, sand and snow (exploring behind “the pond”). We’ll cover about 10 -16 miles of adventure. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!***Fat bikes are available for rent at the shop!***

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Night Riders with DanTUESDAY, JANUARY 30 | 6PM (MEET AT 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
If, and only if, trail conditions are favorable, Dan will lead this Beginner/Intermediate paced group through the mountain bike trails of Island Lake. *Bring your Lights!* Make sure you have front AND rear lights (charged). NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes welcome. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

***Fat bikes are available for rent at the shop!***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha SorarufClick to learn more

ZUMBA | Mondays at 6:00PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie BarrettClick to learn more

A FAT BIKE CHALLENGE TO EVERY CYCLIST OUT THERE:
Outdoor winter cycling has experienced an enormous leap in participation since fat bikes entered the cycle scene. Their mongo tires and draft-horse build mean there’s no sandy stretch, rocky terrain, snowy expanse, or ice-caked trail out of reach for the adventurous cyclist.But you don’t have to have be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy the season-expanding benefits of these bicycle behemoths. Nor do you have to look like the hulk, wear plaid, and corner the market in facial hair. Fat bikes are being enjoyed by guys AND gals of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Their shared bond is a passion for not being contained, for embracing the elements, and for a feeling of POWER.Yes, power – imagine cruising up alongside a Beetle… in a Hummer. Yeah. It’s like that.

Now, some of you are already fat bike initiates. You rock, and you don’t need this challenge to “get your fat on”. This is for those of you who’ve heard about the movement and are wondering what all the hype is about; for those of you who are going spin crazy; and absolutely for those of you who may not have even HEARD of fat bikes, much less pictured yourself astride one. In fact, I’d say this challenge is especially for you…

Rent a Fat Bike at Hometown!

For a ride, a day, a week… if you can ride a bike, you can ride a fat bike. There’s a winter wonderland waiting out there for you, along with the bragging rights that come with doing what others can’t or won’t.So, go on – be BOLD, and try a fat bike. Inspire others by sharing your adventure on our Facebook page. I double-dog dare you…

MEN, don’t skip this section on account of it’s title! I KNOW there are women in your life who are important to you. Ladies, same goes for you, and I sincerely hope that one of those women is YOU!On the agenda of our Women’s Winter Fitness series (see below) is a Tuesday, February 13th class that warrants additional spotlighting. And, as I hear day by day about the solo cycling adventures taken on by our women Hometownies, I feel an increasing sense of urgency to spread the word.

In this 2-hour session, you’ll learn “simple, life saving skills from programs designed to increase your safety after only one class! Our hands on courses teach time-tested, realistic methods that are easy to learn and remember… No previous training required.”

We’ve run our Winter Clinic Series since opening in 2010… not to toot our own horn, but *toot* we’re really good at it! All clinics are FREE and, this year, we’re also offering some new perks and privileges – click the links below for details and to register:

2/13 WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSEwith Live Safe AcademyREGISTER for Self Defense | 7PM – 9PM at Hometown Bicycles | $40 at registrationA Note from Dawn: I’ve seen this instructor in action, and he is awesome. This class NEEDS to
be shared with the women in your life who are important to you… that’s why I’m sharing it with you.
Ages 12 and up – mothers, daughters, wives, friends, and coworkers – ALL women welcome!

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate LevelSATURDAY, JANUARY 20 | 10AM (MEET AT 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’ll pedal our fat bikes through the roads and trails of Island Lake Recreation Area. This is an INTERMEDIATE No Drop Ride – NOT an easy ride for beginners! We’ll cover about 12-16 miles of adventure. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!**Fat bikes are available for rent at the shop!**

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!